The apparent suicide of an inmate at the Navajo County Jail in Holbrook has been reported by the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office.

According to information provided by Chief Deputy James Molesa, at approximately 6:25 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 17, the body of Vaughn George, 54, was discovered in his cell, where he had reportedly used a towel and a shirt to hang himself from the upper bunk of his cell. Jail staff attempted to resuscitate George to no avail.

George was reportedly a transient from Show Low who had been in custody since June on charges of domestic violence and aggravated harassment.

According to Molesa, George was being held in protective custody to keep him from other inmates, but he had given no indication to staff that he was feeling depressed or had suicidal thoughts.